XLPE Cables for Indoor and Outdoor Use

Wrap it with aluminum foil.

Then everyone is happy!

XLPE (crossed linked polyethlene) is the insulation of the cable. It has been used for at least 50 years on URD cables. What voltage are you transmitting on the cable that you are having problems with. Oddly enough, we have found that if you install a 15KV URD cable and operate it at 4KV for several years the failure rate increases dramatically when you increase the voltage to 15KV. If you are seeing the insulation breaking down "crystallised" it may be load, UV rays from sunlight, improper termination (corona cutting) or the atmosphere in which you are operating. A little more information would be nice.

I am reffering to a voltage of 415 volts or 220 volts three phase supply,i am in the caribbean so i suspect that it can be the uv rays from the sun light.To solve the problem we wrap the RED, BLUE and YELLOW phase with a special tape.SO from what you are saying there is only one type of xlpe cable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Hi Guest,

The 'black' plug and socket often does not craze as it is I am pretty sure, rubber, where the coloured ones are polypropylene or similar.

With respect to outdoor and indoor, can you not get 'outdoor' and you can then find no minus points against it like the crazing etc.

If you can perhaps obtain both a rubber plug/socket and a rubber covered cable it may hive a better life perhaps?

If it is not a permanently fixed outdoor cable, but rather, used for a mower extension or something, when not in use keep the cable in the shade. If it is loose and not on a reel, put it in a sack or thick pillowcase to keep the solar rays off, and wipe clean before packing away. in a draw.

Take care.

Hi Guest,

Can you confirm that the 220 volt is also 3-phase? And is this for factory use or normal house and garden use?

Its just that I have not heard of 3-phase housing cable before.

What leangth do you need for out use?

Take care

Yes,the 220 volts is 3-phase used for small commercial buildings.It is at the pothead i am refferring to where the three phases and the nuetral are all exposed to the sunlight.

Hi Guest,

Have you thought about using an Armoured Cable? This would prevent any problems you mention.

Take care.